As always, we are constantly trying to figure out ways to improve the end-user experience by providing more tools while reducing the number of clicks and optimizing the process. This most recent innovation is no exception and can dramatically reduce clicks, scrolling, and make it easier to see more at once.

The Background

As software developers we are always walking that fine line of innovation and moving forward while trying to appeal to many different opinions. At times it is hard to accommodate varying opinions at the same point of impact. This is just human nature and it is healthy. This how things get better. But at the same time, we want to be able to make each user request a reality when possible. That is why this particular change was tricky. Some people prefer lists while others prefer buttons. Again, this comes down to opinion and preference. So we were tasked with coming up with the best of both worlds.

The Solution

Starting with build 16.1.0.17 there are some amazing improvements that we will put out a blog post on giving more details, but one of these improvements is the chart list rendering as buttons feature. At the top of each list supporting the feature, there is a button that when depressed will render the items in the list as buttons instead of a standard list.

Each list will be remembered by user the state in which it was left. So the next time you come back in, the list will be in the same mode saving you a future click.

See More at Once

One major benefit of rendering lists in button mode is that more can be displayed on the screen at the same time. Take the Constitutional Exam list for example. When running in list mode, a scroll is necessary to move down through the list. Whereas when in button mode, everything can be seen at the same time.

List Rendering Mode

When rendering in list most, the chart list will function just as it has in the past. When comparing the list mode to the button render mode below, notice the number of items that show at once in list mode as compared to button mode.

Rendering in the standard list mode

Button Mode

This is the exact same screen and list as shown above. Notice that when rendering in button mode, there is no need for scrolling. In this list, everything can be seen at once. Button mode isn’t the answer for all lists since some are intentionally long and detailed text, but it does address a large portion of them throughout the data sets.

Chart list rendering in button mode.

Final Thoughts

Another benefit of showing the list items in button mode is that all groups are expanded by default. In fact, the groups can’t even be closed, this too saves clicks and the hassle of trying to search for something in the list. This enhancement came as we were trying to accommodate one of our users concerns about the lists versus the buttons. In this example, we have married the benefits of both into the same solution.

*You will need to be running build 16.1.0.17 or later to have access to this feature.